By Staff
FARMINGTON - Frank James “Babe” McKinley, 82, of Farmington passed away Thursday, March 19, 2009 at Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque.
He was born Nov. 19, 1926 in Atmore, the son of Pearlie and Minnie McKinley.
He attended public school in Atmore and then entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943. Frank served as a graphic illustrator in the Marine Corps for 20 years. He was a veteran of WWII and Vietnam and achieved the rank of master gunnery sergeant.
After retirement from the Marine Corps, Frank operated his own sign painting business where he met Mickey, his future wife of 29 years.
Frank and Mickey returned to Atmore, where they resided for several years before returning to the Southwest they loved so much. They settled in Farmington in 1978. Frank continued his sign painting career by working for Atmore signs for 18 years. He retired in 1996 at age 70.
Frank spent his retirement years caring for his invalid wire, Mickey and their numerous beloved pets. Frank continued to pursue his art and love of painting until 2008 when his health begin to decline.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Mickey; son, Kerry; two sisters, Peggy and Eunice.
He is survived by, his son, Darrell McKinley and wife Nancy of Kitty Hawk, N.C.; stepson, Chuck Stewart of Van Nuys, Calif.; four grandchildren, Jeff McKinley and wife Rachel, of Weaverville, N.C., Stefanie McKinley of Asheville, N.C., Kristen McKinley currently attending college in Raleigh, N.C. and Brett McKinley in Basic Training at the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, S.C. He is also survived by one great grandchild, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a few dear friends in Farmington.
Cremation is being handled by Riverside Funeral Home in Albuquerque. Contributions may be made to the KONA Fund c/o Animal Haven Clinic, 822 E. Main St. Farmington NM 87401.